Other photographers dread family sessions. So many people, expressions, attitudes, and such. Pshaw on that, says I! Sure, family portrait sessions can be intimidating and serious and stuff but not with Priceless Reflections by Melissa! We have F*U*N!

I do believe we have a future golf pro in the making here. Love capturing his serious expression and concentration.

A little brotherly love… say it with me now… “awww…” and their sweet, rough and tumble, wee one.

Daddy, best get your shotgun ready now. One day she’ll leave her glorious princess bedroom for a date with Prince Charming. She’s already a heartbreaker!

The Jackson Family – our Fresh Faces Runner Up from Cincinnati – stylin’ and profilin’ in front of my lens at Sharon Woods – Heritage Village. Little Levi was amazing to work with – he even chose his OWN stylish threadz for the session…. what a sweet sweet boy he is.

As Mom to two boys, I can relate to that incredible bond between mothers and sons, and this session really rocked my socks because I got to focus on their relationship. No distractions, no other STUFF, just mom, son, and me… along with some seriously killer light.

That’s not to say it was all serious and deep – we have too much fun for that!

Mom’s got a heartbreaker on her hands. Oh, those eyes!

Piece of really cool but totally useless trivia: Mom attended college with my husband in Carbondale. How cool is that? Let’s all bust out in a chorus of, “It’s a Small World!”

Downtown Cincinnati was the setting for this session with the ever-gorgeous, always sassy, flat out amazing Dana A ! Helps to bring her hubby into a few shots too, cuz he’s just as SHAZAM! (Those of you who are blog junkies and PR junkies know him as “Flat Daddy!”) Oh, and their gorgeous daughter “D” joined in for a few shots too – the BEST session – so much fun!

This location lends itself to senior portraits, relationship/engagement sessions, and even family or child sessions if you’re looking for something urban chic. A little grunge, a little fashion, a little attitude and we have Va Va VOOM!

The Kahn Family has a new home. Well, at least at mealtime. We’ve fallen head-over-heels in lust (can I say that here?) for Pita Jungle in Chandler. Healthy fresh options that I don’t have to cook, everyone has a favorite, and you can eat in, order takeout, and even order online so it’s ready when you get there.

My favorite is the Shawarma (Mediterranean Roasted Chicken) in a pita with mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, pickles, garlic sauce and tahini. If you sit on the vegan side of the table, you can take a peek at their Vegan Friendly Chart to find out which options fit your lifestyle. Pretty cool, huh?!? Top off your meal with a dessert or maybe a smoothie made with frozen yogurt or soy milk. Yum.

You’ll find Pita Jungle of Chandler at 1949 W. Ray Road and they’re open from 11am-10pm every day. You can reach them at 480.855.3232 to place a to-go order or get directions.

Photographing this family is always a treat – whether in Cincinnati – or here in Scottsdale! I love it when my clients from Ohio end up vacationing in Arizona, and call me for photos! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Caleb and Campbell for quite some time now — and with every session, I just love them more and more! (Plus it helps that their parents are really AWESOME too!)

I photographed the twins in Old Towne Scottsdale and then we went to the Sugar Bowl(haven’t been? I highly recommend it!)…. for some ice cream and of course, more photos!

A few weekends ago I photographed a lovely Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanuel in Tempe, and followed the party to the Kiwanis Indoor Wave Pool – talk about a FAB place to celebrate! All of the kids enjoyed swimming and games of tug-of-war while grown up family and friends had time to sit down and catch up. The best part about a pool party in Arizona — the weather! A gorgeous day – sunny and 70`temps made this day a joy, from the wee hours of the morning, til the partying was done!

If you know of someone in the Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale area planning their Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, be sure to tell them about Priceless Reflections by Melissa at 623.239.2437.